Presenter: Tim Hogsett

Commission Agenda Item No. 4
Action
Indoor Recreation Grant Funding
January 2004

I. Executive Summary: Indoor Recreation Grants are made from the Texas Recreation and Parks Account to Texas local governments for the acquisition and/or development of indoor recreation facilities. As of July 31, 2003 TPWD received 11 indoor applications requesting $6,664,847 in matching fund assistance. The Legislature specifically reduced the appropriation for indoor grants to $1,275,000 for the 1994-1995 biennium. Staff is recommending support of 1 project for this fiscal year in the amount of $637,500.00.

II. Discussion: The Texas Recreation and Parks Account Program (TRPA) is a dedication of a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods, effective September 1, 1993. This program provides matching fund assistance to local governments for outdoor and indoor recreation.

TRPA funds available for indoor projects include $1,275,000 specifically appropriated by the legislature for the 1994-1995 biennium. This is a reduction from the previously dedicated and appropriated amount of $3,325,000 per year. In order to make indoor grant funding available for both years of the biennium, $637,500 (half of the appropriated amount) will be made available each year.

This review includes applications from 11 sponsors requesting $6,664,847 in matching funds for all applications submitted by July 31, 2003. Projects have been analyzed by staff and are ranked in descending order of priority. Exhibit A contains the priority listing with funds requested by the sponsors and funds recommended by staff. Exhibit B contains a discussion of individual, eligible project proposals.

III. Recommendation: Staff recommends the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopt the following motion:

“Funding for projects listed in Exhibit A in the amount of $637,500.00 is approved, as described for individual projects in Exhibit B.”

Attachments – 2
1. Exhibit A - Priority Listing
2. Exhibit B - Discussion of Individual Project Proposals